The Transfiguration
The Gospel reading for the last Sunday of the season of Epiphany was Mark 9:2-9.
The Transfiguration
2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Peter, James, and John find out in a dramatic way who the man they are following is. He is One who radiates purity, God's Son who is to be listened to. I can imagine what enthusiasm an experience like this may have caused in Peter, James, and John. More sure than ever that Jesus was the Messiah, they were ready to do whatever He said. And what is the first command Jesus gives them to obey? Do not tell. What? Yup, it is there in verse 9 "Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead."
So really it was a "do not tell yet" command. But why did He give it? I am sure Jesus had His reasons. The best I figure is that He knew the people weren't ready to hear the truth. Or maybe it was that the spread of news about Him would inhibit the work He needed to do before the cross. Whatever the reason, it wasn't to be kept secret for long. Ever since the resurrection, the disciples (and now the church) have been telling the story so that others may believe the revelation of Jesus' identity (and have an epiphany for themselves).
This week, we begin our journey to the cross.... and the resurrection of Christ... through the liturgical season of Lent. Isn't it wonderful that we can know who it is we are following to the cross?! The beloved Son of God. And as we decide if we are practicing any sort of spiritual disciplines for the season of Lent, may we consider the command of God in the cloud, "Listen to Him." Whatever I decide to do or abstain from over Lent, I want to make sure it is something that will draw me towards listening to Jesus. Even if He gives me commands that may not make sense at the time. Even if I have to wait for things that I know are His will. Living a life in which I line up with God the Father on His love for the Son and submit to His directive to listen to Jesus sounds like a very good way to spent Lent.... and our lives.
Blessings,
Tracy
The Transfiguration
2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Peter, James, and John find out in a dramatic way who the man they are following is. He is One who radiates purity, God's Son who is to be listened to. I can imagine what enthusiasm an experience like this may have caused in Peter, James, and John. More sure than ever that Jesus was the Messiah, they were ready to do whatever He said. And what is the first command Jesus gives them to obey? Do not tell. What? Yup, it is there in verse 9 "Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead."
So really it was a "do not tell yet" command. But why did He give it? I am sure Jesus had His reasons. The best I figure is that He knew the people weren't ready to hear the truth. Or maybe it was that the spread of news about Him would inhibit the work He needed to do before the cross. Whatever the reason, it wasn't to be kept secret for long. Ever since the resurrection, the disciples (and now the church) have been telling the story so that others may believe the revelation of Jesus' identity (and have an epiphany for themselves).
This week, we begin our journey to the cross.... and the resurrection of Christ... through the liturgical season of Lent. Isn't it wonderful that we can know who it is we are following to the cross?! The beloved Son of God. And as we decide if we are practicing any sort of spiritual disciplines for the season of Lent, may we consider the command of God in the cloud, "Listen to Him." Whatever I decide to do or abstain from over Lent, I want to make sure it is something that will draw me towards listening to Jesus. Even if He gives me commands that may not make sense at the time. Even if I have to wait for things that I know are His will. Living a life in which I line up with God the Father on His love for the Son and submit to His directive to listen to Jesus sounds like a very good way to spent Lent.... and our lives.
Blessings,
Tracy
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